Germany welcomes EU plans to end dependence on Russian energy

(Clean Energy Wire, 19 May 2022) Germany has reacted largely positively to EU plans for ending dependence on Russian fossil fuel imports. Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the European Commission’s RePowerEU Plan an “important initiative” that could give fresh impetus to renewables expansion, energy efficiency and industrial transformation.

The German industry in general welcomed the Commission’s efforts to exit fossil fuels from Russia and cut red tape when it comes to infrastructure projects, such as renewables and hydrogen facilities. However, think tanks criticised the EU for putting too much emphasis on diversifying the current oil, gas and coal supply routes instead of moving to renewables more forcefully.

Politicians, industry, NGOs and researchers have reacted largely positively to the European Commission’s RePowerEU Plan, which aims to end dependence on Russian fossil fuel imports. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the package is “an important initiative by the Commission,” which Germany would quickly examine and then discuss with the other EU member states at a special European Council meeting on 30-31 May.

“We want this to accelerate the development of renewable energies, energy efficiency and industrial transformation,” said Scholz during a speech in the federal parliament, the Bundestag.

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Clean Energy Wire, 19 May 2022: Germany welcomes EU plans to end dependence on Russian energy